It was bound to happen here eventually, another money grab that gives privilege to the wealthy at the expense of the rest of us. The Harbor Freeway is converting from traditional carpool HOV lanes to HOT (toll lanes) both directions from Adams to the 91 Freeway on Saturday. The toll paid will depend the time of day and congestion costing from 25 cents a mile to as much as $1.40 mile.

Motorcycles and legit carpoolers can still use the lane for free. You must have a transponder to use the newly christened HOT Lanes even if you are exempt from the tolls. Transponders can be purchased from the MTA and select Albertson and Costco stores. The MTA also charges a $3.00 fee per month for the privilege of having a transponder.

How is this bad? It gives non carpool and non motorcycle to use hov lane. My wife has to pick up our kid from daycare. It will cost us less to have her pay a small toll to get to daycare sooner after work than having to pay overage fees at daycare.